Bondi Pavilion wins the Judges’ Choice Award at the National Trust of Australia!
Almost 100 years after it first opened, The Bondi Pavilion underwent a major makeover that transformed the heritage landmark from a worn-down building to the cultural heart of Bondi.
Judges said it was “an absolutely brilliant project for an Australian heritage landmark that will now continue to serve local residents and visitors in a sustained and multi-purposeful way.”
The Pavilion is situated on the famous Bondi Beach and has a colourful history dating back to 1928 when it was known as the “Playground of the Pacific”. It once held Turkish baths, a ballroom, and during World War II the top floor even served as an officer’s club for the American Red Cross.
Decades of marine winds and changing community needs meant the building was well overdue for a revamp, however years of protests saw successive plans scrapped and revised.
TZG aimed to protect and celebrate the heritage landmark while also giving locals and visitors a contemporary space that served as an ‘unofficial town hall.’
Jury Citation: "Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects Restoration and Conservation of the Bondi Pavilion transforms a much loved but aging Sydney icon into a delightful and functional series of public spaces, serving the community and civic needs of this famous beachside destination.
The jury particularly commended the urban design outcomes of the project, with a series of strategic subtractions opening up a new axial entry and gateway to the beach from Campbell Parade.
Similarly, the removal of poor past renovations within the building’s courtyard, has opened up new opportunities for public events at the Pavilion, providing a coherent and protected courtyard experience that complements the direct beachside engagement of its principal beach façade.
Also commendable was the playful nature of the heritage restoration – with a coloured tile pattern bringing delight to its very visible roof, and the light touch with which many community uses – art gallery, theatre and bar, local radio station, flexible performance rooms, and a pottery studio. These were renovated with simple modifications, that transformed a series of tired spaces, into a fresh and engaging public facility that maintains and expands the civic potential of this national landmark."
